789 - Greek Bronze Statuette of a Coiled and Rearing Snake. Archaic, 6th-5th century B.C. Modelled in the round with coiled body and rearing head, barbed fin to the forehead, punched annulet texturing on the body. See Dallas Museum of Art, object number 1969.7. 312 grams, 11 cm (4 1/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Greek Bronze Statuette of a Coiled and Rearing Snake. Archaic, 6th-5th century B.C. Modelled in the round with coiled body and rearing head, barbed fin to the forehead, punched annulet texturing on the body. See Dallas Museum of Art, object number 1969.7. 312 grams, 11 cm (4 1/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Private collection, Neuch tel, Switzerland, assembled in the 1980s. Acquired in 1995 by a European private collector. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12856-241689. Snakes were important symbols in ancient Greek culture and were often linked with protection, healing, and renewal. Because they shed their skin, they were seen as a sign of rebirth and new life. They were also connected with gods and spirits of the earth and underworld, and in some cases were thought to protect the home or sacred places. In Greek art, a snake could therefore carry both religious and symbolic meaning. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.